'Keep that stuff away from me' – Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna opens up on how he manages transfer rumors amid recent success

The USMNT star discussed his approach to handling the increasing attention, transfer speculation, and expectations that has come with his performances

Luna emphasizes importance of maintaining focus despite external noiseRSL star credits support system for keeping him groundedLuna also talks about his career so farGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED

Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna spoke candidly about the challenges of managing his rapidly growing profile in American soccer. The 21-year-old was recently named MLS Young Player of the Year for his performances in the 2024 season, where he had 20 goal contributions. It has led to increased attention and speculation about his future, and Luna discussed his mental approach to handling transfer speculation, social media attention, and the pressures that accompany all that.

“Yeah for me, it’s all just talks and whatever. I always tell my agents and people around me that I don’t want to hear anything about what’s going on unless I have to make a decision,” Luna told . “Unless it’s something that it’s right there, at that moment and ok, we need to look in this deep. So, I kind of try to tell them to keep that stuff away from me because it’s all just talk and as you know there’s people that talk good, talk bad and it’s everywhere so I kinda like to stay away from that.”

“And yeah, I think for me it’s just naturally just chilling, playing soccer and you know, working hard providing for my family and you know whatever comes from that and whatever comes from performing, we’ll talk about it.”

AdvertisementWHAT DIEGO LUNA SAID

The 21-year-old also opened up about how hard it was to step into a locker room at the age of 17 alongside grown men and professional footballers when he first broke out.

“Yeah, I think that was a whole other journey on itself,” Luna revealed on his first professional move to El Paso Locomotive. “Moving away to another place where you don’t know anybody, and this time it’s the real deal, right? You’re getting paid to do this, to perform and being a 17-year-old stepping into a locker filled with grown men, it was hard.

“But it took a lot of confidence at the right time to understand that I’m meant to be there and to perform, and of course, the trust in the coach, at the time Mark Lowry, who gave me the opportunity to perform.”

Luna further expanded on his pathway into professional football and admitted that while it wasn’t the traditional route, it worked for him.

“You know, I think each player has their own pathway, I can really say that it’s better one way or the other but for me, it was the pathway that I took, that I felt was right for me,” Luna mentioned. “I think I made sacrifices and the decisions that I think when I needed to be challenged is when I took that next step.

“I didn’t like to be comfortable and not grow and not learn about the game or myself or be challenged, and each time I was [comfortable], I made that leap. So for me it was, you know it’s cool to say it’s not the original pathway that people have in mind, but I’m proud to say that I made it this way.”

Outside of club football, Luna has also been regularly appearing for the USMNT and opened up about the 2026 World Cup and what it means for the US and Mexico.

“I think for me right now it’s, you know, just besides me playing and the soccer part, it’s just amazing to have the World Cup here, in the USA and Mexico, it’s crazy. So, besides all that, and now putting in the aspect that I am having the opportunity to perform and be in that circle of players that could be chosen for this, so I think that’s very exciting. And that just gives me another thing and motivation to work for and work harder now than ever to be able to be on that roster,” Luna added.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 21-year-old Real Salt Lake star enjoyed a career-high campaign in the 2024 season for Real Salt Lake as he contributed to 20 goals across all competitions with 16 of those coming in the MLS. Things haven’t quite gone Luna’s way this term as he’s only managed three goal contributions in eight appearances, but the attacker’s form is picking up as he scored a brace in the club’s win over LA Galaxy a few weeks ago.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

With his red card rescinded, Diego Luna is free to play for Real Salt Lake again as they face San Diego FC on April 26 in the MLS before another road game against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 3. The are enduring a tough start to the season and currently sit ninth on the Western Conference with as many points to their name after three wins and six losses.

Brian Lara, Mickey Arthur part of panel to review West Indies' T20 World Cup performance

They have been brought in by CWI as part of a three-man working group which will be chaired by a high court judge

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2022Brian Lara and Mickey Arthur are part of an independent panel assembled by CWI to undertake “a comprehensive review” of West Indies’ first-round exit from the men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.West Indies, champions in 2012 and 2016, bowed out of the tournament before the Super 12s stages after defeats to Ireland and Scotland in their first-round group, an outcome which CWI said had “caused great disappointment and frustration among all West Indies cricket stakeholders” and saw Phil Simmons step down from his role as head coach.Related

Review panel urges CWI and West Indies players to find 'middle ground'

West Indies coach Phil Simmons hopes to finish tenure on a high

Simmons quits as West Indies coach after 'unfathomable' World Cup exit

Pollard bemoans 'sad day' for WI cricket, says players not at fault for T20 WC exit

Pooran: 'This is not going to stop me, I'm going to continue to learn'

Lara and Arthur – who are currently employed by Sunrisers Hyderabad and Derbyshire respectively – have been brought in as part of a three-man working group which will be chaired by Justice Patrick Thompson Jr, a high court judge at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.They have been asked to conduct “a thorough and independent review of the West Indies men’s T20 team’s preparation and performance” and will speak to “as many stakeholders as practicably possible” over the next six weeks, including selectors, squad members, management staff, board officials, ex-players, territorial boards and franchises and the Caribbean Premier League.They will collate their findings and submit their recommendations as part of a final report to CWI’s board of directors by December 15.Ricky Skerritt, CWI’s president, said: “It is vital that players, coaches, administrators, and all of us who love West Indies cricket, recognise that creating a sustainable learning culture, throughout the organisation, is a prerequisite for player growth and team improvement.”Emotion-based and knee-jerk type decisions have failed CWI repeatedly in the past. I am confident that this independent World Cup review process will produce findings and learnings that should be of great benefit to our cricket system going forward.”

Not just Jorgensen: Chelsea must axe 4/10 star who Carragher called "awful"

The honeymoon under Enzo Maresca is well and truly over. Chelsea were thrashed at Brighton & Hove Albion to extend their miserable Premier League run, less than a week after previously being dumped from the FA Cup at the AMEX Stadium.

Chelsea haven’t so much flatlined as regressed over the past couple of months, having now won only two of their past nine top-flight fixtures, throwing their hopes of Champions League football into jeopardy.

There’s plenty of time to turn things around and, moreover, Chelsea will remain fourth until at least this evening, but with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both sidelined, fears are growing.

W

10

2

D

4

3

L

2

4

P(PG)

34 (2.12)

9 (1.00)

However, it was at the back that the Blues were at their nadir on the South Coast, with Filip Jorgensen’s performance between the sticks presenting Maresca with quite the conundrum.

Chelsea's goalkeeping dilemma

It was a big night for the Chelsea goalkeeper, who has replaced Robert Sanchez as Maresca’s number-one after costly mistakes in recent months.

GOAL’s Mitchell Fretton branded the Swedish shot-stopper with a 4/10 rating after his error-strewn display, soft in failing to prevent Kauro Mitoma’s opening goal and wasteful in possession, nearly being punished late on save for Joao Pedro’s poor finish.

Jorgensen definitely wasn’t helped by his defenders but the lack of authority showed, and Brighton punished him dearly.

Chelseamanager Enzo Maresca

However, the backline will surely hang their heads in shame. Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill lacked strength and composure in the centre, but Marc Cucurella endured a tough evening indeed against the two-goal Yankuba Minteh.

Marc Cucurella was "awful" vs Brighton

Cucurella has been a mainstay for Maresca’s Chelsea this season after an exemplary Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, but he’s not infallible and it showed against the Seagulls, with GOAL also marking the 26-year-old with a lowly 4/10 match rating.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella

Such a flimsy and uninspiring display could call for Colwill to shift out to left-back for the next game. The England international flattered to deceive too but his ball-playing and tackling qualities may serve well, especially with Reece James coming back into the team.

In fairness, Cucurella was pitted against the electric Minteh, who arguably put in the statement performance of his Premier League career so far.

However, Aston Villa await next weekend and they have no shortage of exciting attackers.

Cucurella won four of his eight contested ground duels, as per Sofascore, but he was dribbled past twice by the speedster and failed to even attempt a dribble of his own as Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports co-commentary rebuked the Spaniard’s “awful defending” for the third and final goal.

Chelsea need to stabilise. This is not a crisis. Nor is it a team that has lost its way. But Maresca does have a task on his hands in steering Stamford Bridge back on course.

To do so, changes might be useful in the short term. Cucurella may need to be one of them.

Chelsea already sold a bigger talent than Sancho in “beautiful” academy gem

He’s even been praised by late football legend Pele.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 14, 2025

William Gallas surprisingly urges Victor Osimhen to join Man Utd instead of Arsenal as ex-Gunners star makes Cristiano Ronaldo comparison

William Gallas believes Victor Osimhen should join Manchester United instead of Arsenal and made a Cristiano Ronaldo comparison to justify himself.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Napoli loanee is a wanted manArsenal, Man Utd & Chelsea are vying for his servicesGallas feels Osimhen should choose the Red DevilsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli loanee Osimhen, who has become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe, has been consistently linked with a move to the English top flight. Despite being linked with Chelsea in the winter transfer window, the Nigerian international eventually ended up on loan at Galatasaray. That hasn't stopped the speculation, however, and with both Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly vying for his signature ahead of the summer, the competition will be fierce among the Premier League giants.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to Italian outlet , United are understood to have reached a provisional agreement with Osimhen’s camp, signalling their intent to activate his €75 million (£64 million/$86 million) release clause. The Red Devils have long admired the striker and are looking to bolster their attack following another underwhelming campaign. Meanwhile, Arsenal, who once again fell short in the Premier League title race against Liverpool, are also said to be seeking a proven goalscorer to sharpen their frontline.

WHAT GALLAS SAID

Speaking in an interview with Gallas shared his thoughts on Osimhen’s potential adaptation to English football, emphasising how United would provide a more patient platform for the Nigerian striker’s development.

"We’ve seen foreign players before, it’s often difficult for them in the first season," the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender said. "The second season they step up, so it’s not unusual at all. Even [Cristiano] Ronaldo, in his first season he wasn’t the Ronaldo we know now, but in the second season there were signs.

“It all depends which club. If Arsenal need results straight away, they need to win the Premier League next year, then they need one player who can do it straight away. They don't have time. If we talk about Manchester United, from where they are now, they don't need to win the league. They’re looking to be top four or top five, so maybe they can give Osimhen the time he needs."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

However, reports emerging elsewhere suggest the path may not be straightforward for United. Despite preliminary talks, it’s claimed that the club has backed away from the deal due to Osimhen's reported wage demands of £300,000 per week, figures United are said to be unwilling to match under their new wage structure.

Arsenal looking to hijack AC Milan move to sign £50m Cunha teammate

Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Arsenal are now reportedly looking to hijack AC Milan’s move to sign a defensive reinforcement alongside interest in Matheus Cunha.

Arsenal transfer news

All but down and out in the Premier League title race thanks to knockout blows from West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, Arsenal’s task is clearer than ever this summer. They must rebuild Mikel Arteta’s attack. That must be their priority if they want to finally end their wait for England’s biggest honour for the first time in over two decades.

With that priority in mind, it’s no surprise that the rumours have already been coming thick and fast as names such as Alexander Isak threaten to steal the headlines. As things stand, it certainly seems like the Newcastle United man is the Gunners’ number one target, but whether they can afford to match his reported £150m price tag is another question entirely.

Send him to Saudi: Arteta must sell Arsenal star who's a "bit of a moaner"

The Arsenal star has been disappointing this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 27, 2025

If it’s not the Swede, meanwhile, then it may well be Cunha. After failing to secure a move to The Emirates or elsewhere in January, the Brazilian put pen to paper on a new deal at Wolverhampton Wanderers which reportedly includes a release clause of £62m. A far more affordable option than Isak, Arsenal are seemingly among those eyeing Cunha’s signature once again this summer.

He’s not the only Wolves star they could sign, either. According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now looking to hijack AC Milan’s move to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer.

WolverhamptonWanderers' Rayan Ait-Nouri celebrates scoring their first goal

The Italian giants have reportedly been lining up a move to sign the left-back as a replacement for Theo Hernandez, who looks set to leave the San Siro this summer. Arsenal could yet stand in the way of that move, however, and perhaps even match Wolves’ €60m (£50m) price tag when the summer arrives.

"Talented" Ait-Nouri would add surprise attacking spark

If reports are to be believed and Ait-Nouri is on Arsenal’s radar, then those in North London could be about to see the end of central defenders inverting at full-back with natural players preferred in such a role. Ait-Nouri would certainly be a solid candidate if that is to be the case too, given how his attacking exploits would help to sharpen a blunt Arsenal attack.

Starts

26

10

Goals

3

2

Assists

5

1

Ball Recoveries P90

4.76

3.13

A player who often steps onto the front foot and leaves his mark, Ait-Nouri is exactly the type of driving force Arteta needs to ignite his side’s attacking spark once again.

Earning plenty of praise during his time at Wolves, former manager Gary O’Neil told reporters when asked about the left-back: “I know he’s played a lot of games for Wolves and he’s extremely talented, but there’s still a lot of learning that he needs to do in his understanding of the game.”

At just 23 years old, there’s still plenty more to come from Ait-Nouri whether it’s at Wolves, AC Milan or, indeed, Arsenal.

Bruno Fernandes set for third meeting with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal as Man Utd captain weighs up summer move away from Old Trafford

Al-Hilal remain determined to sign Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United captain set to meet the Saudi Pro League side for the third time.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Fernandes set to meet Al-Hilal for the third timeSaudi giants determined to sign the PortugueseMan Utd face West Ham on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, as Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have shown strong interest in the midfielder. The Saudi champions are reportedly ready to offer £65m per year in wages to the United captain to secure his services.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Portugal international has already cleared his stance on his future as he claimed that he is happy to continue at United. , however, reports that the Red Devils star is likely to meet the Saudi club for a third time as their officials are refusing to give up on their pursuit.

DID YOU KNOW?

Manager Ruben Amorim has also broken his silence on Fernandes' possible transfer as he made it clear that he wants his compatriot at Old Trafford next season. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in the current season, having scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United are scheduled to face West Ham and Chelsea in the next two Premier League fixtures before they face Tottenham Hotspur in the club's biggest match of the 2024-25 campaign. They lock horns against the Spurs in the Europa League final at Bilbao on May 21.

Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed limit Pakistan to 304, before Abrar Ahmed's first-over reply

Spinners to the fore on slow surface as Pakistan fail to capitalise on winning the toss

Matt Roller17-Dec-2022Pakistan’s batters sowed the seeds of their own demise on the first day of the dead-rubber third Test in Karachi, as England bowled them out for 304 on a dry, benign National Stadium pitch after being asked to bowl first.Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha both made half-centuries but Pakistan threw three wickets away cheaply. Mohammad Rizwan was the first culprit, heaving Joe Root straight to deep midwicket before tea. In the evening session, Babar was run out while scampering through for a single; Nauman Ali, the left-arm spinner, top-edged a slog-sweep to mid-off; and Salman, the last recognised batter, was stumped while charging down the pitch to Jack Leach.As Leach mopped up the tail to finish with 4 for 140, Pakistan were bowled out for 304. Despite losing Zak Crawley for a duck, England were clearly the happier side overnight, given the lifelessness of the pitch. There was just enough on offer for their spinners to suggest that batting last may prove to be a challenge, but the only balls that misbehaved were ones that died from short of a length.Rehan Ahmed, Leicestershire’s legspinning allrounder, became the youngest man to play Test cricket for England at 18 years and 126 days old and struck twice on debut, having Saud Shakeel caught at short leg and trapping Faheem Ashraf lbw. After a nervy start before lunch, he found his length in the second session and finished the day with 2 for 89 in 22 overs.Related

Everything goes to plan for Pakistan, but not quite their day

Azhar Ali always found a dignified way through utter turbulence

Rehan Ahmed to make Test debut in Karachi

Ollie Robinson 'considered retirement' in midst of injury-plagued English summer

Azhar Ali announces retirement, Karachi Test against England to be his last

Ahmed, presented his cap by Nasser Hussain while stood next to his father Naeem in England’s huddle, bowled five wicketless overs for 37 runs in the morning session, struggling to find a good length as Babar and the recalled Azhar Ali batted positively against him. But after lunch, he found his groove.Beaten by his previous ball, a sharply-spun googly that turned past the outside edge, Shakeel prodded forward and inside-edged a legbreak into his pad. The ball ballooned up to forward short leg where Ollie Pope – back in the field as Ben Foakes returned to the England side – flung himself forward to take an excellent one-handed catch.And in the evening session, Ahmed made Faheem his second Test victim. His googly, which he used extensively throughout the day, straightened enough to beat the left-hander on the outside edge from around the wicket, hitting him low on the back thigh pad. He became the first England legspinner to take two wickets in his first innings as a Test cricketer since Ian Salisbury, also against Pakistan at Lord’s 30 years ago.ESPNcricinfo LtdEngland’s spinners bowled 56 of the 79 overs and Ben Stokes wasted no time getting Leach into the game. He became the first England spinner to share the new ball in the very first innings of a Test since Jack White in 1921 and struck early on, trapping Abdullah Shafique on the front pad with a ball that skidded through.Shan Masood, playing his first Test match since January 2021 after two seasons of prolific all-format run-making in domestic cricket, was positive early on, using his feet and twice hitting boundaries down the ground for four in Leach’s first over, but fell for a 37-ball 30, having earlier survived a close lbw shout on review while reverse-sweeping. He was sucked in by a short-ball plan, as Mark Wood slammed the ball into the pitch at 90mph/145kph which he miscued down to Leach at long leg via the back of the bat.That brought Babar to the crease, who played positively alongside Azhar, brought back into the side at No. 3 in the final Test of his career. He was one of four men to come into the side along with Masood, Nauman and debutant Mohammad Wasim, with Mohammad Nawaz, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Ali and the injured Imam-ul-Haq giving way.Azhar pulled Ahmed’s third ball through midwicket for four as he dropped short, the first of six boundaries that the legspinner conceded in his first spell. Those included a thick outside edge for four from Babar, slashing at a wide legbreak, but the rest were played with controlled aggression.Ollie Robinson bowled only three overs in his first spell before leaving the field for the best part of an hour with an upset stomach, but returned shortly before lunch to make the crucial breakthrough. Azhar had found some rhythm after a slow start but gloved a back-of-a-length ball down the leg side. Foakes, back behind the stumps after sitting out of the first two Tests, took an excellent diving catch low to his left, which TV replays confirmed was a clean take.Jack Leach claimed four wickets on the first day in Karachi•Getty ImagesBabar and Salman both played with positive intent, rotating the strike and putting the occasional bad balls away, but a series of casual dismissals meant wickets fell regularly. Rizwan was the prime culprit, charging down and hoisting Root’s gentle lob straight to Stokes in the deep, but Babar is unlikely to reflect fondly on his dismissal.After reaching a first-innings half-century for the third consecutive Test, Babar was slow to set off from the non-striker’s end as Salman worked to square leg. Harry Brook’s throw was slightly wayward, but Foakes reacted sharply and whipped off the bails with Babar just short of his ground.When Leach rolled through the tail – Nauman caught slog-sweeping, Salman beaten on the outside edge charging down and Abrar Ahmed flummoxed by a beauty that hit the top of his off stump – England walked off with the light fading but enough time left in the day for them to face three overs.Abrar struck with the fifth ball of the innings, trapping Crawley in front with a flat legbreak, but Pope and Ben Duckett survived until stumps. Pakistan reviewed the final ball of the day, an Abrar googly which struck Duckett on the body as he got down to sweep, but ball-tracking technology confirmed it had pitched outside his leg stump.

Leeds set sights on move to sign 25 y/o forward with 18 goals this season

Leeds United are in the hunt for promotion, which may determine the calibre of player they can attract to Elland Road during the summer transfer window.

Leeds United set for monumental clash at Bramall Lane

Championship clashes don’t come bigger than on Monday night for Leeds United. Daniel Farke has his side sitting two points clear at the top of the table, but Sheffield United linger directly below the Whites in the race for automatic promotion.

Fittingly, both sides meet at Bramall Lane tomorrow evening, and a statement victory from the visitors would open up a five-point advantage at the summit heading into the final 12 matches of their league campaign.

The race for automatic promotion from the Championship

Leeds United

72 points

Sheffield United

70 points

Burnley

68 points

Sunderland

62 points

Speaking ahead of the top-two meeting, Farke confirmed Leeds winger Manor Solomon is a doubt to face the Blades, stating: “So, it will be a right race. But he is more or less the only question mark.”

Patrick Bamford and Maximilian Wober also miss out as expected, though there is plenty of squad depth within the camp to compensate for absentees. At this point, navigating a way over the finishing line is key for Leeds United before the search for summer reinforcements begins at Elland Road.

Ultimately, the question of promotion will determine the extent of business they are able to conduct. Recently, Leeds were linked with ambitious moves for AC Milan loanee Tammy Abraham and Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor.

Turning their attention to alternative markets, Farke has now set his sights on a fellow countryman who has impressed at the highest level this term.

Leeds United turn attention to Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn

According to The Boot Room, Leeds United are interested in bringing Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn to Elland Road following his magnificent form for the Bhoys on both domestic and continental stages this campaign.

The 25-year-old has lodged 18 goals and 12 assists this campaign under Brendan Rodgers, including strikes against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich during the Scottish Premiership champions’ run to the Champions League knockout playoff phase.

Everton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Brentford are also in hot pursuit of the former Rapid Vienna winger amid emergence in Glasgow after completing a £3 million move in January 2024.

Dubbed ‘Super Nicolas Kuhn’ by Celtic supporters, the former Germany Under-20 international has averaged around two shots and 1.8 key passes per Scottish Premiership fixture this term, per Sofascore. He has also created eight ‘big chances’ as the Glasgow giants near a fourth successive title triumph.

While the offer of regular silverware and appearing in the Champions League would be difficult for Kuhn to leave behind, there is growing speculation over his future as the lure of Premier League stardom is an enticing one for any player who has established themselves north of the border.

Celtic would likely be in no hurry to sell, given his contract at Parkhead runs until 2029. Simply put, Leeds would have to secure promotion to the top flight to stand any chance of tempting him to Yorkshire.

Barcelona's referee outrage: What angry Hansi Flick & his players said about Szymon Marciniak's controversial Champions League performance as Inter boss Simone Inzaghi lauds Polish official as 'one of the best'

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick and his players were left bemused by the decisions made by referee Szymon Marciniak in their narrow loss to Inter.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Inter beat Barca to reach Champions League finalFlick expressed his frustration at referee Marciniak's decisionsBarca players also criticised the officiatingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona head coach Flick and his players were utterly exasperated by the refereeing performance of Poland's Szymon Marciniak, claiming that several of his calls were unjust. The reaction comes in the aftermath of the club's heartbreaking Champions League exit to Inter in the semi-finals, as the Nerazzurri won 4-3 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate to progress to their second final in three seasons.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Several Barcelona players, as well as their manager, condemned the refereeing following their 4-3 loss on Tuesday. Pedri, who has been one of the best players in the world this season, went as far as to urge UEFA to "look into" referee Marciniak's performance.

The game, which was truly a spectacle, was marked by a couple of contentious decisions in the second leg at San Siro. In the first half, VAR overturned the initial decision after Pau Cubarsi appeared to win the ball from Lautaro Martinez, awarding a penalty instead. Hakan Calhanoglu calmly converted from the spot. In the second half, Barcelona were initially given a penalty when Henrikh Mkhitaryan brought down Lamine Yamal, but VAR intervened again, with replays confirming the foul occurred just outside the box but that contact may have carried on inside the area.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Flick raised questions over the officiating, claiming that most of the 50-50 calls went against his side. "I know that everyone’s disappointed now that we’re out, but it’s because we invested a lot in this match," the German head coach told reporters after the game. "We came back again (into the game), and I think some decisions, like the 50/50, were always for Inter, but it’s like that, we have to accept it. It’s football.

"I’m proud of my team, we gave everything, and sometimes you feel like it’s unfair because some decisions the referee made were not for our side, but it’s like that. We have to accept it, and we’ll start again next season. Winning the Champions League is one of our goals, because the fans deserve it. We’ll be back next season in the Champions League."

In contrast, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi heaped praise on Marciniak. "That's Barca's opinion, he's one of the best referees in Europe and he had a great match," the Italian told Ricardo Sierra (h/t AS).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT BARCA PLAYERS SAID

A number of Barca players didn't shy away from letting their feelings be known. Eric Garcia, who scored an exquisite goal to help his side get back into the game, was highly critical of Marciniak. "I don't know what's wrong with this stadium. I've been here three times, and for one reason or another, or due to unrelated reasons, things haven't gone our way. We all know what happened with this referee the last time we came here," Garcia told the media (h/t MARCA).

Ronald Araujo joined in, adding that the referee failed to penalise Denzel Dumfries for a potential foul on Gerard Martin just moments before the Dutchman assisted Francesco Acerbi's equaliser. "Did the referee have anything to do with it? I think so. In the 3-3 play, it was a foulon Gerard Martin. He went for the ball and didn't let us play it. But we shouldn't make excuses; we have to keep our heads up. This team has a direct mentality and is a generation that will surely win many Champions Leagues."

Inigo Martinez also had his fair share of complaints, stating: "Everyone saw today that the decisions always went the same way. Although we don't want to blame him. We're holding our heads high."

Cummins calls for third umpire catch changes

Three times at the SCG the TV official ruled that slip catches hadn’t carried

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jan-2023Pat Cummins says there has to be a better way for the third umpire to adjudicate on catches after Richard Kettleborough was forced to make three contentious decisions during the third Test.Sydney match umpires lodged reviews for three catches taken low to the ground in the slips at the SCG. On each occasion, third umpire Kettleborough found evidence the ball had touched the ground before the fielder was able to control it. Consequently, none of the catches were given.Cummins’ team-mates Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Hazlewood previously suggested the first step to changing the way such catches were officiated would be to scrap the on-field umpire’s soft signal, given the third umpire overturned it on two of the three occasions, although that decision now only becomes a factor if technology fails or is unavailable for the third umpire.Related

Non-striker run outs and catches close to the ground shouldn't be as complicated as they are

The Labuschagne non-catch – South Africa 'convinced it was out' but replays show otherwise

Cricket Australia to review third umpire's camera set-up

Australia don't make big spin gains at SCG ahead of India tour

“I don’t really know the answers but there has to be a way to try and improve it somehow,” Cummins said after the Test against South Africa ended in a draw. “As it currently stands, it’s really hard to give a batter out. If there’s any kind of benefit of the doubt, it goes the batter’s way.”I think with a couple of camera angles really slowed down, it’s pretty hard to not find doubt somewhere. I do feel for Ketts a little bit up there.”In making a decision, the third umpire only has access to footage from the host broadcaster, Fox Sports and not from Seven Network cameras.”Maybe there’s more cameras we can use down the track,” Cummins said.South Africa captain Dean Elgar was visibly frustrated when his side was on the receiving end of the first non-catch call but at stumps said he was pleased the umpires remained consistent throughout the match.”The way the umpires conducted the three was pretty good. I think it was brilliant,” he said. “Once you’ve set the bar with the first one, you can’t really budge much from there.”Those things are always going to be a grey area, some guys will say out, some guys will say not out. At the end of the day, their decision is final and as players we respect that.”

Game
Register
Service
Bonus